>> In addition, hikers should not hesitate to scare coyotes by making loud noises and using bright lights.
>Better yet, use a baseball bat to beat the snot out of them so the word gets around in coyote circles.
Best of all, use a .45 cal 230gr JHP to end the coyote’s career from a safe distance.
No need eve for a firearm when I was to young to carry even a 22LR I dispatched trapped coyotes with 2 feet of hickory shovel handle. I solid whack between the ear and the eye put them down for the count and did not mess up the fur.
I usually just use 12 gauge with #4 shot.
At close range they explode like a watermelon dropped off a four story roof.